(273g) Estimating Effects of Agglomerate Properties On Dust Generation During Handling

Dust is a significant concern in raw material processing industries as evidenced by increasing levels of regulations. Potential sources for dust generation and emission includes shipping and handling high-tonnage products, such as coal, fertilizer, iron ore, and limestone. Agglomerates made from these materials can fragment and abrade during impact and abrasion and generate particulates across a wide range of sizes. Certain sizes, such as particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters less than 10 and 2.5 micrometers (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5), are able to stay suspended in air for long periods of time and are undesired for health and environmental reasons. The purpose of this research was to investigate the dominant factors controlling the dustiness of iron ore agglomerates. The theory and development of the chosen method designed to measure material dustiness is presented, as well as results from testing both industrial and laboratory-made agglomerates. Factors investigated ranged from raw material inputs to agglomerating conditions.